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Medical Price Roulette
Man relieved of $1.7 mllion debt relief
An update on the story of Alexis Hernandez, who fought to survive after an explosion only to be hit with a $1.7 million medical debt for his treatment at a burn center in Brooke Army Medical center. While his debt was finally waived after the story and urgings of legislators, others with similar stories still face their huge medical bills. Anna Werner reports
COVID long-haulers may face financial hurdles
Some long-haulers suffering from long-term coronavirus symptoms are now facing financial challenges as well. Anna Werner spoke with several people who faced challenges getting disability and health care coverage.
Some Cologuard users hit with unexpected high bills after cancer test
"I am mad because I pay so much every month for this insurance," on Cologuard user told CBS News. "I just feel like I'm really getting raked over."
Man billed $1.7 million by government for life-saving burn treatment
"I never expected, never in my life to live through something like this," Alexis Hernandez told CBS News' Anna Werner.
Company pauses plan to send 9,000 back to office after pushback
Epic Systems, a medical records software company, "is going to have to adhere by the same rules as everyone else," a local official said.
COVID-19 tests should be free, but these people still got big bills
People returning to their jobs could wind up having to pay for COVID-19 tests, experts warn.
His coronavirus test wasn't processed, but he got billed $9,000
Congress passed a law making coronavirus tests free, but all costs may not be covered by all insurers.
Alabama couple struggling after hospital sues over medical debt
KC and Daryl Roberts were paying what they could each month toward the more than $30,000 hospital bill.
Woman fighting with insurance for follow-up breast cancer tests
Mammograms can save lives, but in some cases, insurance companies are refusing to cover follow-up tests ordered by doctors.
Women shocked by "hidden" cost of mammograms
Health insurance covers mammograms every one to two years, but many women often need secondary tests that aren't covered
Man drives five hours for surgery insurance won't cover
Around the country, middle-class Americans with high-deductible insurance plans are heading to dozens of cash-based surgery centers
Regulators want to change law after CBS News report
"After hearing about — and resolving — a recent issue, we know that if it could happen to one consumer, it could happen to others"
Even with insurance, woman hit with $40,000 in medical bills
When Molly McKenna went to a clinic in agonizing pain, doctors told her it was an emergency. Only later did she learn much of her treatment was out-of-network
How to find out health care costs in advance
How much will that cost? Why did that cost so much? Always ask. Take notes, take names, take numbers
Man hit with $650,000 in medical bills finally gets relief
Frank Esposito was hit with $650,000 in medical bills after his insurance company said his surgery didn't qualify as an emergency
Medical bills jump from $220 to $4,000 a month – for treatment her life depends on
"I was like, how is this even possible?" one patient said of the unpredictable charges
She needed two rounds of ultrasound exams. Why did one cost 10 times more?
Medical prices vary greatly, even within the same city. "It's either unethical or dishonest," said one patient hit with a surprise bill
Ways to save on health care costs
ClearHealthCosts offers some practical tips to help you beat back your health care costs
How to read a medical bill or explanation of benefits
An insurance company's "explanation of benefits" often confuses matters more
Back surgery saved him from paralysis. Then the bills arrived: over $650,000
Frank Esposito, a tool and die maker from Long Island, New York, drained $49,000 from his retirement account and still owes over $220,000
Appealing a claim denial, or how to turn "no" into "yes"
If your insurance company denied a treatment or a medication in advance, and you want help, here's where to start
10 steps for appealing a claim or bill
So you got a huge bill, and you're sure there's been a mistake. Here's a step-by-step course of action
CBS News investigates lack of transparency in health care prices
"Nothing about the United States' health care system really makes sense," one doctor said
Health
Baby formula supplies dwindle amid widening shortage
FDA working to boost formula supplies, with more than half of popular products out of stock in some U.S. states.
Omicron surge adds complications to U.S. economy
The spread of the Omicron variant is causing an additional complication to the U.S. economy, which is already struggling with high inflation and a supply chain crisis. And data shows nearly 9 million Americans were out of work in January because they were caring for someone with COVID-19 or being ill with the virus themselves. Joshua Hausman, associate professor of public policy and economics at the University Of Michigan and research associate at the National Bureau Of Economic Research, joins CBSN's Lana Zak with more.
FDA works to approve vaccines for kids under 5
The White House is now working to provide Americans with free N95 masks and at-home COVID-19 test kits. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the vaccines for kids under the age of 5. Emergency medicine physician Dr. Owais Durrani joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest efforts to combat the virus.
Kids' COVID-19 hospitalizations on the rise
COVID-19 hospitalizations for children are climbing, with an average of more than 900 kids admitted a day. CBS News' Michael George reports, then Dr. Gigi Chawla, chief of pediatrics at Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, joins CBSN to discuss the latest.
COVID-19 infections rising in kids
CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports on a rise in pediatric COVID-19 cases in communities like Kansas City, Missouri. Then Dr. Bob Lahita, director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases at St. Joseph Health and a professor of medicine at New York Medical College, joins CBSN to discuss the latest on COVID-19.
COVID vaccines don't affect fertility, study finds
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 does not reduce the chances of getting pregnant, new research shows. Meanwhile, as the Omicron variant continues to strain hospitals, military troops are deploying to help. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn has more on the pandemic response.
Omicron batters states with low vaccination rates
Thursday marks two years since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in the U.S. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn has more on how the virus is impacting states with low vaccination rates, and the battle over masks in schools. Then, emergency medicine physician Dr. Anand Swaminathan joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest.
U.S. debuts site for free at-home COVID tests
Some hospitals are overwhelmed, facing an influx of COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, Pfizer says that its oral pill is showing efficacy against Omicron in lab tests. Dr. Jen Caudle joins CBSN to break down some of the latest coronavirus headlines.
Omicron continues to overwhelm U.S. hospitals
The Biden administration is planning to give out 400 million free N95 masks to Americans in the coming weeks as the coronavirus surge tightens its grip on hospitals in hard-hit areas of the country. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports from Missouri, where COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising among the unvaccinated. Then, Dr. Payal Patel, an infectious disease physician at the University of Michigan Medical School, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest.
North Carolina hospitals overwhelmed
COVID-19 infections are continuing to surge in parts of the U.S. In North Carolina, recent data shows one in three people tested positive for the virus. And some local hospitals are struggling to keep up. CBS News national correspondent Manuel Bojorquez reports from Charlotte.
U.S.
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Army to nix drone battalion set up to absorb lessons from Ukraine war
The decision to phase out the Army drone battalion comes amid tension between senior officers who envisioned the unit and the acting chief of staff of the Army.
First on CBS
New U.S. sanctions target cocaine smuggling network in Ecuador
The U.S. on Thursday imposed fresh sanctions on 15 individuals and entities based in Ecuador for their roles in an alleged maritime cocaine trafficking operation.
Clear Eyes eye drops recalled nationwide over contamination risk, FDA says
The recall affects 15mL bottles of Clear Eyes' Maximum Itchy Eye Relief.
FTC says "personalized pricing" based on consumer data could violate law
The FTC warned businesses against changing prices based on their analysis of a customer's personal data, which could violate consumer law.
The fight to protect Big Bend, one of America's last wild places
Months after Congress approved billions for infrastructure across one of the least-trafficked stretches of the southern border, bulldozers arrived at Big Bend National Park, West Texas's wild crown jewel.
MoneyWatch
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Clear Eyes eye drops recalled nationwide over contamination risk, FDA says
The recall affects 15mL bottles of Clear Eyes' Maximum Itchy Eye Relief.
FTC says "personalized pricing" based on consumer data could violate law
The FTC warned businesses against changing prices based on their analysis of a customer's personal data, which could violate consumer law.
Walmart says it is using $2.9 billion in tariff refunds to lower prices
The company told CBS News it will direct the refunds toward groceries and general merchandise.
AI apps that can digitally undress any photo pose back-to-school risk
Think that back-to-school photo is safe to post online? Bad actors could use AI "nudify" apps to make it X-rated.
Publix frozen blueberry recall upgraded to highest health risk level
Recalled frozen blueberries and mixed berries that could be contaminated with E. coli pose the most severe category of health risk, according to the FDA.
Politics
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Army to nix drone battalion set up to absorb lessons from Ukraine war
The decision to phase out the Army drone battalion comes amid tension between senior officers who envisioned the unit and the acting chief of staff of the Army.
First on CBS
New U.S. sanctions target cocaine smuggling network in Ecuador
The U.S. on Thursday imposed fresh sanctions on 15 individuals and entities based in Ecuador for their roles in an alleged maritime cocaine trafficking operation.
The fight to protect Big Bend, one of America's last wild places
Months after Congress approved billions for infrastructure across one of the least-trafficked stretches of the southern border, bulldozers arrived at Big Bend National Park, West Texas's wild crown jewel.
FBI seizes Swalwell's devices, executes warrants in sexual misconduct probe
FBI agents executed search warrants targeting former Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell and seized his electronic devices, two sources told CBS News.
Democrats narrow 2028 convention finalists to 3 cities
The Democratic National Committee is on the hunt for the best host city for the 2028 Democratic convention.
HealthWatch
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How Moderna's melanoma mRNA vaccine could fight deadliest skin cancer
CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder, who has had melanoma herself, said Moderna's experimental trial is "a big win for mRNA vaccines against cancer."
Melanoma vaccine shows promising results
An experimental melanoma vaccine could reduce the risk of the cancer returning or spreading for some high-risk patients. It's personalized for each patient and optimized using artificial intelligence. Dr. Jon LaPook has more details.
Publix frozen blueberry recall upgraded to highest health risk level
Recalled frozen blueberries and mixed berries that could be contaminated with E. coli pose the most severe category of health risk, according to the FDA.
Moderna stock surges as melanoma vaccine trial shows "landmark moment"
Moderna and Merck announced study results that reflect a "landmark moment" in treatment for one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.
She's lived through unimaginable grief. Her advice: "Reach for the joy."
Author and grief coach Kate Doerge joined Norah O'Donnell for a candid talk about coping with grief.
World
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Army to nix drone battalion set up to absorb lessons from Ukraine war
The decision to phase out the Army drone battalion comes amid tension between senior officers who envisioned the unit and the acting chief of staff of the Army.
Fishermen missing for 5 days found alive floating on cooler in Pacific
A video shared by Mexican officials shows the fishermen inside a blue cooler as the container bobs on ocean waves.
American student says she was raped in Vietnam, pressured to drop case
An American student says she was raped during a group holiday in Vietnam, then pressured to drop the case against a wealthy suspect.
Famed century-old ship "Sava's Titanic" emerges amid drought in Europe
The boat was carrying wounded fighters when it hit a German mine in late April 1945, experts say.
Live
Iran dismisses Trump's "economic D-Day" threat as more "failed policies"
Iran has shrugged off President Trump's threat to hit the Islamic Republic with an "economic D-Day" as a "doubling down on failed policies."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Recess Therapy" host on embracing kid behavior
Julian Shapiro-Barnum is known for his conversations with kids on his series "Recess Therapy." He tells "CBS Mornings" why he thinks adults need to act more childish and embrace some behaviors of children.
Isla Fisher talks "Spa Weekend"
Isla Fisher gives an inside look at the new film, "Spa Weekend," how it highlights the importance of female friendships and how the star-studded cast connected.
Frank Beard, ZZ Top drummer, dies at age 77
"Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons said in a statement.
Panettiere was with on-and-off boyfriend when she died, police report says
Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, made the 911 call that brought first responders to the apartment where Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive.
Madonna leads 2026 MTV VMAs with 11 nominations
Madonna leads all artists with 11 nominations at this year's MTV VMAs, and a full sweep would tie her with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift for the most VMA wins in history.
Technology
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Technology
Book publishers forced to navigate AI
Book publishers are grappling with the rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on the publishing industry. Tisha Morris, an entertainment attorney and author, joins CBS News with more insight.
Data on how people are using AI chatbots
Recent data from the AI Observatory shows more people are using artificial intelligence chatbots for more intimate issues. Shayne Longpre joins with more on the recent study.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
AI "nudify" apps pose risk to students
Students nationwide are grappling with a new reality -- AI-generated pornography, sometimes featuring themselves or someone they know. CBS News found more than a dozen AI "nudify" apps easily accessible in app stores, some without age restrictions. Jo Ling Kent has more.
AI apps that can digitally undress any photo pose back-to-school risk
Think that back-to-school photo is safe to post online? Bad actors could use AI "nudify" apps to make it X-rated.
Science
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A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
Crime
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Crime
Police hunt for wife of slain cop
A manhunt is underway in Massachusetts as law enforcement teams search for a woman suspected of killing her husband, who worked as a police officer. CBS News' Lilia Luciano has more on this story.
AI "nudify" apps pose risk to students
Students nationwide are grappling with a new reality -- AI-generated pornography, sometimes featuring themselves or someone they know. CBS News found more than a dozen AI "nudify" apps easily accessible in app stores, some without age restrictions. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Member of online extremist network "764" gets record 77 years in prison
A member of the online extremist network "764," which targets children and minors online, received a record 77-year federal prison sentence on Wednesday.
Psychologist takes the stand in Clancy trial
A psychologist who saw Lindsay Clancy took the stand in her Massachusetts murder trial, providing a vital take on her condition after she allegedly killed her three children. CBS News' Rebba Roiphe has more.
American student says she was raped in Vietnam, pressured to drop case
An American student says she was raped during a group holiday in Vietnam, then pressured to drop the case against a wealthy suspect.
Space
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NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Army unit offers Grand Theft Auto game time
A U.S. Army unit is offering a few days off to play Grand Theft Auto VI to those who reenlist and commit to several more years in uniform. CBS News' Eleanor Watson reports.
Inside the NFL's new "celly" dance studio
The NFL is launching a new "celly" campaign to honor the tradition of touchdown celebration dances in the end zone. Jason Allen joins the Houston Texans at their training facility to learn more.
Emails on ICE and Iran working together
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials worked closely with Iran to deport Iranian migrants, including asylum seekers, newly released emails reveal. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez has more information.
Russian attack kills at least 16 in Kyiv
At least 16 were killed and dozens were injured in Russia's latest attack on Ukraine's capital city. CBS News' Aidan Stretch has more from Kyiv.
Police hunt for wife of slain cop
A manhunt is underway in Massachusetts as law enforcement teams search for a woman suspected of killing her husband, who worked as a police officer. CBS News' Lilia Luciano has more on this story.